Podgorica: The Hidden Gem of Montenegro

• HelloZdravo
  [ZDRAH-voh]
• GoodbyeDoviđenja
  [doh-VEE-jen-ya]
• YesDa
  [dah]
• NoNe
  [neh]
• Please/You're welcomeMolim/ Nema na čemu
  [MOH-leem/ NEH-mah nah CHEH-moo]
• Thank youHvala
  [HVAH-lah]
• Excuse me/SorryIzvinite
  [eez-VEE-nee-teh]
• How are you?Kako ste?
  [KAH-koh steh?]
• Fine. And you?Dobro. A vi?
  [DOH-bro. Ah vee?]
• Do you speak English?Da li govorite engleski?
  [dah lee goh-VOH-ree-teh ENG-lehs-kee?]
• I don't understandNe razumijem
  [neh rah-ZOO-mee-yem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMolim vas, mogu li vidjeti jelovnik?
  [MOH-leem vahs, MOH-goo lee VEE-dyeh-tee YEH-lohv-neek?]
• I don't eat meatNe jedem meso
  [neh YEH-dehm MEH-soh]
• Cheers!Živeli!
  [ZHEE-veh-lee]
• I would like to pay, pleaseŽelim da platim, molim vas
  [ZHEH-leem dah PLAH-teem, MOH-leem vahs]

• Help!Pomoć!
  [POH-mohch!]
• Go away!Idi odavde!
  [EE-dee oh-DAHV-deh!]
• Call the Police!Pozovite policiju!
  [POH-zoh-vee-teh poh-LEE-tsee-yoo!]
• Call a doctor!Pozovite doktora!
  [POH-zoh-vee-teh DOHK-toh-rah!]
• I'm lostIzgubio/la sam se
  [eez-GOO-byoh/lah sahm seh]
• I'm illBolestan/na sam
  [BOH-leh-stahn/nah sahm]

• I'd like to buy...Želim da kupim...
  [ZHEH-leem dah KOO-peem...]
• I'm just lookingSamo gledam
  [SAH-moh GLEH-dahm]
• How much is it?Koliko košta?
  [KOH-lee-koh KOSH-tah?]
• That's too expensiveTo je previše skupo
  [toh yeh PREH-vee-sheh SKOO-poh]
• Can you lower the price?Možete li spustiti cijenu?
  [MOH-zheh-teh lee SPOO-stee-tee TSEE-yeh-noo?]

• What time is it?Koliko je sati?
  [KOH-lee-koh yeh SAH-tee?]
• It's one o'clockJedan je sat
  [YEH-dahn yeh saht]
• Half past (10)Pola (deset)
  [POH-lah (DEH-seht)]
• MorningJutro
  [YOO-troh]
• AfternoonPopodne
  [POH-pohd-neh]
• EveningVeče
  [VEH-cheh]
• YesterdayJuče
  [YOO-cheh]
• TodayDanas
  [DAH-nahs]
• TomorrowSutra
  [SOO-trah]
• 1Jedan
  [YEH-dahn]
• 2Dva
  [d-vah]
• 3Tri
  [tree]
• 4Četiri
  [CHEH-tee-ree]
• 5Pet
  [peht]
• 6Šest
  [shehst]
• 7Sedam
  [SEH-dahm]
• 8Osam
  [OH-sahm]
• 9Devet
  [DEH-veht]
• 10Deset
  [DEH-seht]

• Where's a/the...?Gdje je...
  [gd-yeh yeh]
• What's the address?Koja je adresa?
  [KO-yah yeh ah-DEH-sah?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Možete li mi pokazati (na mapi)?
  [MOH-zheh-teh lee mee poh-KAH-zah-tee (nah MAH-pee)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Kada je sledeći (autobus)?
  [KAH-dah yeh SLEH-deh-chee (OW-toh-boos)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Jedna karta (za ....)
  [YEH-dnah KAR-tah (zah ....)]

Podgorica's origins can be traced back to the Illyrians, who established settlements in the area during the Bronze Age. Archaeological evidence suggests that the region was inhabited as early as the 5th century BC. The Romans later conquered the Illyrians and integrated the area into the province of Dalmatia, establishing the town of Doclea nearby, which became an important urban center.

During the medieval period, Podgorica was known as Ribnica, named after the Ribnica River. It was a part of the Serbian Kingdom and later the Serbian Empire. The town served as a significant trade and military center, benefiting from its strategic location. In the 15th century, the Ottoman Empire conquered the region and incorporated Podgorica into its territory, marking a period of significant cultural and architectural influence.

Under Ottoman rule, Podgorica experienced extensive transformation. The Ottomans built numerous mosques, bridges, and public baths, leaving a lasting architectural legacy. The town served as an administrative center for the region and became a melting pot of cultures, with a diverse population of Christians, Muslims, and Jews. Ottoman influence is still visible in Podgorica's old town, known as Stara Varoš.

In the late 19th century, Montenegro fought for and gained independence from the Ottoman Empire. In 1878, the Berlin Congress recognized Montenegro as an independent state, and Podgorica was incorporated into the newly established Principality of Montenegro. The town began to modernize and expand, reflecting its newfound status within an independent nation.

During World War II, Podgorica was heavily bombed by the Allies due to its strategic importance. The town suffered significant destruction, which led to extensive rebuilding efforts in the post-war period. After the war, Podgorica became the capital of the Socialist Republic of Montenegro, part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The reconstruction period saw the development of new infrastructure and modernization projects.

Following the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, Podgorica became the capital of the newly independent Republic of Montenegro in 2006. The city has since undergone rapid development, transforming into a vibrant urban center. Modern Podgorica boasts a mix of contemporary architecture, cultural institutions, and green spaces, reflecting its rich historical heritage and dynamic future.

Podgorica is accessible via Podgorica Airport (TGD), located approximately 11 kilometers south of the city center. The airport has regular flights connecting major European cities. From the airport, you can take a taxi or use the shuttle bus service to reach the city center. Alternatively, you can arrive by train or bus from other Montenegrin cities or neighboring countries. Podgorica’s central train and bus stations are conveniently located near the city center.

Podgorica offers various transportation options including taxis, buses, and car rentals. The public bus network is extensive and affordable, with frequent services covering the city and surrounding areas. Taxis are also widely available and relatively inexpensive. For those preferring more flexibility, several car rental agencies operate in the city. Biking is another option, with rental services available and bike lanes in some parts of the city.

The official currency is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments, markets, and rural areas. ATMs are readily available throughout Podgorica for cash withdrawals.

Podgorica is generally a safe city for tourists. However, it is wise to exercise standard precautions such as not leaving belongings unattended and avoiding poorly lit areas at night. Some areas, like Stara Varoš, are known for occasional petty crimes targeting tourists, so stay vigilant. Always use reputable taxi services and avoid walking alone late at night.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Podgorica has several hospitals and clinics offering medical services. Pharmacies are also available for over-the-counter medications. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers health emergencies. For consular assistance, visit your embassy or consulate in Montenegro if needed.

Fashion: Do dress smart-casual when dining out or visiting cultural sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local religious customs, especially when visiting churches and mosques. Dress modestly and cover your head when required. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to elderly passengers and avoid loud conversations. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a friendly nod. Respect local customs by using polite greetings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept invitations to dine with locals. Don't refuse food or drink, as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Podgorica like a local, visit the local markets such as the Podgorica Green Market for fresh produce and traditional goods. Engage with locals in cafes and bars; Montenegrins are known for their hospitality and friendliness. Explore the Ribnica River and its historic bridges, and take a walk through Gorica Park for a peaceful retreat. Don’t miss tasting traditional dishes like ćevapi and burek at local eateries.